Below is a profile of the latest player to be tracked by the struggling claret and blues.

Who is he?

Born in France, the 28-year-old started his career at RCO Agde before briefly moving back to US Lormont, the club he started his youth career at.

Sane never featured for the first team, though, and signed professional terms at Bordeaux. He has since made over 200 appearances, scoring 11 times along the way.

Strengths

Sane’s versatility makes him an attractive option. He can play at centre half or also as a holding midfielder similar to Carlos Sanchez.

It’s no secret that boss Remi Garde wants a new midfield enforcer and if Villa land the 6ft 3ins ace he could be the man to fit that role.

His experience is also seen as important as Villa look to move forward. Sane has featured in five Ligue 1 campaigns as well as the Champions League and more recently the Europa League. He is also a Senegal international and will know fellow African Idrissa Gana well from their time on tour.

Link to Villa

One of many French-based players to be linked with Villa in recent times. The club’s recruitment team have sent scouts to watch him on previous occasions however Sane has been injured for the past seven weeks so Villa have been unable to track his most recent progress.

Garde wants players who he knows and trusts to do a job at his new club. The stopper fits into this role.

Likelihood of signing

A loan move would be the most likely option with a view to a permanent deal if Villa somehow pull off the greatest of all great escapes.

Sane is out of contract next summer, has signalled his interest in moving to England in the past and could be available for as little as £4m.